US Youth Soccer Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
This year marks US Youth Soccer's 40th Anniversary. We would like to thank all of the players, parents, coaches, administrators, volunteers and more who have helped us grow the game of soccer for the past four decades. Read more about the anniversary and be sure to look for ways to celebrate 40 years of "The Game for All Kids!" during 2014.

US Youth Soccer National Award Winners Announced
Seventeen individuals were honored with national awards on Friday, Jan. 17 at the 2014 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel. The Gala was one of the highlights of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the NSCAA Convention. Check out photos from the week in Philadelphia!

Keep up with the new 50/50 Blog!
US Youth Soccer recently began a new daily blog — The 50/50 Blog. It provides a good mix of soccer stories, videos and more each day, as well as some other fun and entertaining content. If you haven't seen The 50/50 Blog yet, you can check it out here. If you'd like to suggest content for the blog or have feedback on what you'd like to see, please email support@usyouthsoccer.org.

The New FUEL Magazine is Here!
The latest edition of FUEL Soccer is here, with information for players, parents, coaches and fans of the game. It's a great resource you can get for your soccer family, team, club or tournament. Be sure to order your copies today!

Male and Female Player of the Month
US Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize the following individuals as February 2014 Players of the Month — Female: Mikayla from Rocklin, Calif.; Male: Cooper from Whitsett, N.C. Congratulations to Mikayla and Cooper. You can click here to read about their accomplishments and service.

To nominate someone you think is deserving of being Player of the Month, read the criteria and fill out this form.

VIDEO: U.S. Women's National Team Players talk youth soccer
With the U.S. Women's National Team opening its 2014 season with a game just steps from our National Office, we had the chance to talk with four players. Watch all four interviews here, and see what Carli Lloyd, Sydney Leroux, Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe had to say about the joys of playing soccer.

US Youth Soccer alum earns CONCACAF U-20 Golden Ball
Rose Lavelle, a former US Youth Soccer ODP player and US Youth Soccer National League participant with CUP Crew Jrs. Gold 94/95 (OH-S), recently helped the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team to the CONCACAF U-20 Championship and earned the Golden Ball as Tournament MVP in the process.

Morgan Brian earns her place in first U.S. Women's National Team start
Morgan Brian, the youngest player currently on the U.S. Women's National Team, earned her first start with the squad on Jan. 31 against Canada. Brian is an alum of several US Youth Soccer programs. Read more about her.

Alex Morgan Q&A about youth soccer
U.S. Women's National Team star forward Alex Morgan did a Q&A with Soccer America discussing her youth soccer experience and more. See what she had to say.

US Youth Soccer Billy Goaziou Scholarship - APPLY NOW!
US Youth Soccer is proud to announce that applications are now being accepted for the sixth term of US Youth Soccer William J. "Billy" Goaziou Scholarships. Click here to learn more about the scholarships.

Documentary shines light on obsessive sports parentsTrophy Kids, an HBO Sports documentary, follows four obsessive sports parents and questions where the line is drawn when pushing kids in sports. Learn more.

Parent-Coach Relationships
This blog post looks at how parents and coaches can reconcile their differences to help the children have the best possible youth sports experience. Check it out.

Three things students should take away from the State of the Union
USA Today College gives your child three points to focus on from Barack Obama's State of the Union address. Click here to see what they are and how they can help your child.

Parenting BlogHail Mary | A feel-good youth sports story about a boy dedicating a game after the loss of a friend.Celebration Time | Find out why a Little League coach is suing a player after a celebration injury.For All the Right Reasons | When is it OK to take growth hormones?

US Youth Soccer Workshop Presentations
If you couldn't make it to the US Youth Soccer Workshop, we've got you covered. Many of the slides used during education sessions are posted on our website. Check them out here.

The Connection Between Teachers and Coaches
Doug Lemov, author of "Teach Like a Champion," spoke with Soccer America about his findings and opinions on coaching soccer. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Online EducationUS Youth Soccer has released a new online coaching clinic, "Constructive Soccer - Principles of Play," that is free for everyone to take. The Principles of Play form the basic tactical foundation of the game, and a player's understanding can be accelerated by competing in small-sided games at training; and by encouraging constructive play during matches.

National Youth License
There are National Youth License courses available this month.

Request an NSCAA Coaching Course
The NSCAA is now making it easier than ever to submit a request for a coaching course in your area. Simply fill out an online form, identify a facility and be contacted by an NSCAA representative within 48 hours to begin setting a date. Stay ahead of the game in 2014 and get educated! Improving Soccer. One Coach at a Time. Click here to fill out the form.

US Youth Soccer Announces Partnership with NESTLÉ NESQUIK
US Youth Soccer is pleased to announce a new national partnership with NESTLÉ NESQUIK, the official “Chocolate Milk” and “Post-Game” drink of US Youth Soccer. NESQUIK will support US Youth Soccer’s more than three million youth soccer players and one million adults through events and online at USYouthSoccer.org. Samples of NESQUIK beverages will be available on-site at select events and tournaments. Read more about the partnership here.

Wilson Trophy Company – A Change for the Better
We are excited about heading into our second year of the official awards, pins, and medal supplier for US Youth Soccer. With our 2014 Soccer Catalog offering more product, our most competitive pricing, and even more EXCLUSIVE products, we are ready to show you why our service is a notch above the rest. Click here to view our catalog!

Get Sports Authority coupons for your team or club!
Receive Sports Authority coupons to distribute at your next event or tournament. Each pack of coupons comes with 100 cards valid through June 30, 2014. Coupon packs will be first come, first serve…so don’t delay. Get your coupons by emailing jrodriguez@usyouthsoccer.org with ALL of the following info: # of coupon packs, contact name, address.

Weekly Tips for Happier Kids
Parents, want to keep your young athlete happy and focused? Want to encourage good sportsmanship? Get Responsible Sports Weekly Parent or Coach Tips from directors of coaching like Mike Freitag, Sam Snow and George Kuntz! Liberty Mutual Insurance created Responsible Sports with the belief that kids should win on and off the field. Every week, you’ll receive just one e-mail with your quick Weekly Tip from a professional coach or world-class athlete. Get Weekly Tips Today

US Youth Soccer Marketplace
US Youth Soccer recently launched Marketplace, which offers teams, coaches and players the ability to search for companies across the nation that offer the product or service they are looking to purchase. You can check out Marketplace by going to marketplace.usyouthsoccer.org.

Some recent vendors...

Impact Canopies is a trendsetter in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of instant canopies and instant canopy accessories. Impact Canopies brings a fresh and innovative approach to the portable branding solution industry.

Premier International Tours has been the industry leader for over 30 years in organizing international soccer team tours, fan tours and coaching education tours.

Interested in Advertising on Marketplace?
Take a minute to sign up for a listing on Marketplace to reach the youth soccer community. Sign up now!